Benefits Of Positive Psychology

From research in the relevant literature, and insight into what exactly is positive psychology, it is evident that positive psychology contributes remarkably to both good health and well-being. Psychology traditionally focused on negatives, what is wrong with people, and how to undo these things, however positive psychology "is primarily concerned with the scientific study of human strengths and happiness" (Carr, 2011, p. xii). It also focuses on trying to build on the best things in life and emphasises positive qualities and experiences. In 1948, the World Health Organisation defined the word health as "a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity". This definition is based on

By using positive psychology interventions such as focusing on positives instead of negatives and assessing the good in one's life can help to achive optimal psychological health and well-being. While clinical psychology methods such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can be used to treat numerous psychological disorders such as depression, they only focus on fixing what is wrong. Positive psychology helps to improve mental well-being by focusing on and building upon the positive experiences in one's life. An 8 week web-based study of the effects of a positive psychology programme on a group of young people showed that at the end of the programme the participants reported decreased levels of anxiety and depression and improvements in overall well-being (Manicavasagar et al., 2014). However, the percieved level of mental health can also effect mental well-being of individuals, those who believe that are psychologically healthy show flourishing levels of psychlogical functoning also, while those with languishing mental health proved to be more likely to display depressive symptoms (Keyes, 2002). One of positive psychology's greatest contributions to health and well-being is the powerful, positive effect it can have on psychological health and

It has significant power to aid mental health and well-being, assisiting individuals to reach optimal levels of health and allow them to live a longer, healthier life. Positive pschology also contributes to physical health and well-being as discussed above, by aiding individuals to become and maintain healthy, but also assisting recovery from illness and in some cases, increasing life expectancy. Happiness is a topic within positive psychology that is both interesting and has a large effect on health and well-being. Positive psychology literature suggests that those who are aware that they are happy and satisfied with their life, are generally healthier both physically and psychologically. This contribution has lead to developing measures of happiness and allowing individuals to become aware of their own happiness. The area of positive psychology is becoming increasingly poplular due to the fact that it focuses on promoting optimal health and well-being and focuses on what is right rather than what is wrong. The contributions positive psychology has made to overall health and well-being in individuals is significant and these contributions are continuing to improve health regularly due to the powerful effect that it has made